OVERTIME HEARTBREAK

Kevin Zalaznik // 12.14.2011 // Recap

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Syracuse’s Nick Bonino scored with 0.4 seconds remaining in overtime to down the Albany Devils, 3-2, Friday at the Times Union Center. Despite the loss, the Devils extend their point streak at home to a league-best 10 games, going 7-0-2-1 during that span. For the season, Albany is now 12-10-3-1, while Syracuse improves to 12-10-2-1.

With time running out, Dan Sexton won the puck at the halfwall and eluded defenseman Peter Harrold. Skating down the left side he found Nick Bonino for a one-time on the doorstop for the game-winning goal.

“We turn the puck over; I know we are trying to make plays,” said head coach Rick Kowalsky. “You have to be strong and we turn the puck over. Eric Gelinas actually makes a really great read to strip the puck from Sexton, but guys in this league don’t quit on pucks.”

The goal came after the Devils had fought back from a 1-0 deficit with the help of third period goals by Vladimir Zharkov and Steve Zalewski. The Crunch answered moments later, setting the stage for overtime.

“We got going in the second period for sure,” Kowalsky said. “We stuck with it and I talked about not getting frustrated. Stephen Gionta has an open net, we hit a post, we get some chances there and we stuck with it. Then we did get some momentum when we get that goal and come to life. The way things are going you hope that at 2-1 you tighten things up defensively.”

As for the scoring, Zharkov, who returned to the lineup after missing three games, snapped a wrist shot from the right side at 5:44 of the third with an assist going to Peter Harrold.

Zalewski made the score, 2-1, by outlasting a Syracuse defender and going shortside on Iiro Tarkki at 7:24. Zharkov had the first assist, while Gionta picked up the second.

Albany’s lead was short-lived as the Crunch responded 1:40 later when Jean-Francois Jacques stole the puck in the Crunch’s offensive zone and found Peter Holland for a one-timer at 7:24.

Jacques opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 9:05 of the first period.

Jeff Frazee stood tall for the Devils between the pipes making a season-high 35 saves. Tarkki also made 35 stops.

The Devils return to action Friday at 7 pm when the Worcester Sharks arrive at the Times Union Center. Students can take advantage of “SEFCU College Night” with $10 tickets, which includes a voucher for $1 hot dog and soda. Additionally, between 6-7 pm, of-age adults can participate in “Happy Hour” with $2 domestic drafts.

*****

Notes: Nick Palmieri was a late addition to the Devils lineup. He was returned from New Jersey after appearing in four games since being recalled on Dec. 5 … Jay Leach, Stephen Gionta and Vladimir Zharkov all returned after missing time. Leach missed 12 games since his last appearance on Nov. 5 against Connecticut. Gionta missed two games since playing against Rochester on Dec. 4 and Zharkov was out three games since appearing at Bridgeport on Dec. 3 … Three Stars: 1. Nick Bonino (SYR), 2. Vladimir Zharkov (ALB), 3. Jean-Francois Jacques (SYR).

by Kevin Zalaznik // 12.14.2011 // Preview

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Storyline 
The Devils return to the confines of the Times Union Center where they are 8-4-1-1, including a 7-0-1-1 mark in its last nine. Albany looks to rebound after scoring one goal in back-to-back games at Rochester (Friday) and at Toronto (Saturday). Last weekend the team was without Steve Bernier, Matthew Corrente, Stephen Gionta, Jay Leachand Vladimir Zharkov. Additionally, defensemen Matt Taormina and Alexander Urbom were recalled by New Jersey before Friday’s game.

Notables 
- Overall Albany is third in the Northeast Division with a 12-10-2-1 record (27 pts.) and is 8-4-1-1 at home. Syracuse is fourth in the East Division with an 11-10-2-1 mark (25 pts.) and is 5-4-1-1 on the road.

- The Devils and Crunch NHL affiliates made a trade Monday. New Jersey acquired defenseman Kurtis Foster and goaltender Timo Pielmeier from Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Mark Fraser, center Rob Pelley and their seventh-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

- Matt Anderson registered his second three-point night of the season when he contributed a goal and two assists against Rochester on Dec. 4. He leads the team for points (16) and assists (11). In the last 11 contests, Anderson has produced nine points (2g-7a). For his career, he has 149 points with 58 goals and 91 assists in 244 games.

- The Crunch have lost four of their last six games and are coming off a 4-1 loss against Hamilton Saturday. In its last 10 outings, the team is 5-5-0-0.

- Syracuse’s Patrick Maroon is the active team leader with 25 points backed by 10 goals and 15 assists. Nick Boninoand Dan Sexton are behind him with 21 (5g-16a) and 20 (5g-15a) points, respectively.

All-Time Series 
Meetings: 11
All-Time: 6-5-0-0
At Devils: 2-3-0-0
At Crunch: 4-2-0-0
Season Series: 1-0-0-0

Puck Drop 
The Devils are hosting “Dollar Dawg Night” and fans can enjoy $1 dogs and $1 sodas at tonight’s game.